Introduction
Greek Salad, known as Horiatiki in Greece, is one of the most iconic Mediterranean dishes. It beautifully combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, crunchy red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a light olive oil and oregano dressing. Simple yet bold in flavor, this salad captures the essence of Greek cuisine — fresh, wholesome, and delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe ❤️
I love this recipe because it is fresh, vibrant, and satisfying without being heavy. The flavors are clean and natural: the tangy feta complements the sweet tomatoes, while the olives add a salty punch. It’s not just a salad but a complete taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle — healthy, balanced, and nourishing. I also love that it takes only minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or quick entertaining.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This Greek Salad is a must-try because:
- It’s refreshing and healthy, packed with vitamins and nutrients.
- It requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers maximum flavor.
- It’s a versatile dish that works as a side, starter, or light meal.
- It’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, appealing to many diets.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~200 per serving
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
- Course: Salad / Side Dish / Appetizer
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers (sliced into half moons)
- 4 ripe tomatoes (cut into wedges or chunks)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced into rings)
- 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted, whole or halved)
- 200g (7 oz) feta cheese (cut into cubes or crumbled)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh oregano, finely chopped)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Simple Cooking Directions
- Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Place cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and olives in a bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently.
- Add feta cheese on top, drizzle a little more olive oil, and serve.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and onion.
- Slice cucumbers into half moons, cut tomatoes into wedges, thinly slice the onion, and cut bell pepper into rings.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and Kalamata olives.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Toss & Add Feta
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Place feta cheese cubes (or crumbles) on top.
- Drizzle a little extra olive oil and sprinkle oregano for authentic flavor.
How to Serve
- Serve fresh and chilled as a side to grilled meats, seafood, or Mediterranean dishes.
- Pair with crusty bread or pita for a light lunch.
- Works beautifully as part of a mezze platter.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Always use good quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic taste.
- Don’t overmix once feta is added; keep its texture intact.
- Use ripe but firm tomatoes for best flavor.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep veggies crisp.
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh parsley, mint, or basil.
- Creamy Dressing: Swap vinegar dressing with a light yogurt-based one.
- Low-Salt Version: Reduce olives and feta if watching sodium.
Freezing & Storage
- Freezing: Not recommended (vegetables lose texture).
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Tip: Keep feta separate if planning to store longer, so it stays fresher.
Special Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Large salad bowl
- Small whisk or fork for dressing
Conclusion
Greek Salad with Feta Cheese, Olives, and Cucumbers is a timeless Mediterranean classic — fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. With its crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and tangy dressing, it’s a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or quick weekday meals. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to its refreshing flavors again and again.
Greek Salad with Feta Cheese, Olives, and Cucumbers
Description
Greek Salad, known as Horiatiki in Greece, is one of the most iconic Mediterranean dishes. It beautifully combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, crunchy red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a light olive oil and oregano dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
For the Dressing:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables : Wash cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and onion. Slice cucumbers into half moons, cut tomatoes into wedges, thinly slice the onion, and cut bell pepper into rings.
-
Step 2: Assemble the Salad : In a large salad bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and Kalamata olives.
-
Step 3: Make the Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Step 4: Toss & Add Feta : Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently. Place feta cheese cubes (or crumbles) on top. Drizzle a little extra olive oil and sprinkle oregano for authentic flavor.
